Chapter 147
Lucinda sitting nearby almost couldn't hold back her laughter.
Seeing her smile, Hayden perked up immediately. "Look at Cindy. So young, and she already knows the importance of work-life balance. Not like you—all you do is work, work, work."
Reginald fell silent.
He thought to himself that if his father knew how much Lucinda actually worked, he probably wouldn't be saying that.
But he didn't voice the thought.
Hayden lectured him for a while longer. Eventually, even he realized he couldn't make his son stay. He let out a heavy sigh. "Fine, fine. Go already. Just looking at you annoys me."
Reginald was silent.
After saying that, Hayden turned to Lucinda.
The face that had just been full of disdain for his son instantly lit up like a blooming flower. "Cindy, stay a little longer. Have dinner with me tonight."
Lucinda shook her head. "I have things to handle at the company too."
Hayden froze. His smile immediately collapsed. "You're leaving too?"
Lucinda felt a warmth in her chest. She reached out and patted his hand. "I'll come visit you again soon."
Reginald stood nearby, watching the scene. A faint smile tugged at his lips.
He'd always thought his father had a strong personality. But over the years, he'd become more and more like a child.
Especially around Lucinda. His favoritism was almost unbearable to watch.
After they finished talking, the group walked out of the villa together.
Reginald opened the car door for Lucinda. Before she got in, he leaned down and reminded her quietly. "Remember what you promised me."
Lucinda knew exactly what he meant. She nodded helplessly. "I know."
Reginald looked at her, his eyes still carrying a trace of unease.
"Call me if anything happens."
"Okay."
"Don't try to tough it out."
"Okay."
Hearing her agree, Reginald's expression finally softened. He reached out and gently ruffled her hair. "Wait for me to come back."
Lucinda froze slightly. Before she could respond, the man had already withdrawn his hand and turned to get into another car.
The door closed. The black sedan slowly pulled away from the Lancaster Estate.
Lucinda stood where she was, watching the car disappear into the distance.
Only when it was completely out of sight did the last trace of warmth fade from her eyes.
The next second, she pulled out her phone and dialed Elijah's number.
The call connected almost instantly.
"Boss."
"Where are you?"
"Already near the Lancaster Estate."
"Come pick me up."
"Yes, ma'am."
She hung up. Hayden beside her was still looking at her reluctantly. "Cindy, you're leaving right now?"
Lucinda's heart softened. She patted his hand. "Mr. Lancaster, a friend of mine is in trouble. I need to go take care of something. I'll come see you again in a few days."
"When's 'a few days'?" Hayden took two steps forward, his voice tinged with grievance. "Tomorrow? The day after? You always say 'next time, next time,' but when is next time?"
Lucinda was amused by his tone. She reached out and lightly patted his arm. "Very soon. You take your medicine, eat your meals properly, and I'll check on you when I get back."
Hayden's eyes lit up. He nodded vigorously. "Okay, okay, okay. I'll take my medicine, I'll eat properly. You'd better keep your word."
"I will."
Only then was Hayden satisfied. He turned to the butler and raised his voice. "Chase, pack up that box of pine nut shortbread from the fridge. Let Cindy take it with her!"
Chase responded and jogged inside. Moments later, he returned carrying an elegant paper bag, which he handed to Lucinda with both hands.
Lucinda accepted the bag, glanced down at it, and smiled. She nodded at Hayden.
A few minutes later, a low-key black business van pulled up at the entrance. Elijah personally got out and opened the door.
Seeing this, Hayden, though reluctant, waved his hand. "Go on. Don't let me hold you up."
Lucinda nodded and waved at Hayden. "Goodbye."
"Bye-bye."
Even after the car had driven off, Hayden stood there watching.
The butler stood beside him, unable to suppress a smile. "Mr. Lancaster, she's already gone."
Hayden finally withdrew his gaze and huffed lightly. "What do you know? I'm looking at my future daughter-in-law. What's wrong with that?"
The butler couldn't help but laugh.
Meanwhile, the business van sped toward the private airfield.
Inside the vehicle, Elijah had already compiled the latest intel. "Boss, the Black Wolf Crew hasn't moved Ms. Lancaster yet, but it looks like they've caught wind of something. They're reinforcing their defenses."
Lucinda flipped through the files, her expression growing colder. "Keep eyes on them."
"Yes, ma'am."
The car raced along the road.
Twenty minutes later, they arrived at the private airfield. A massive Gulfstream jet was already parked on the tarmac.
Two figures in black tactical gear stood at the base of the boarding stairs. When they saw Lucinda step out of the car, they immediately straightened and bowed slightly.
"Boss."
Lucinda nodded and climbed the stairs onto the plane.
She sat down, pulled out her phone from her bag, and dialed Valencia's number.
The call was answered after two rings. Valencia's gentle voice came through. "Cindy? Why are you calling so late? Did you miss us?"
Lucinda's voice softened. "Mom, a friend of mine is in trouble. I need to go abroad for a couple of days. I'm leaving first thing tomorrow morning. I'll let you know when I arrive."
Valencia's voice immediately turned anxious. "What happened? Is it serious? Are you going alone? Should I come with you—"
"Mom, it's nothing serious. I'll be back in two or three days." Lucinda cut her off, her tone casual. "Don't worry. I'll call you when I get there."
Valencia was silent for two seconds. Her voice carried undeniable concern. "All right, then. Be safe. Call me as soon as you land. It's cold out there—dress warmly. Don't catch a chill."
"I know, Mom."
After hanging up, Lucinda dialed another number.
Fiona.
The call was answered on the first ring. The voice on the other end was slightly hoarse. "Ms. Wipere?"
"Fiona, I won't be in Starlight City for the next couple of days. No matter who asks for me, tell them I'm in meetings and not available. Handle whatever work issues you can. Anything you can't deal with, leave it for when I get back."
Fiona didn't hesitate. "Understood. Ms. Wipere, rest assured. I'll take care of everything."
Lucinda hung up and set her phone on the table. She leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes briefly.
The roar of the engines rumbled from both sides of the fuselage, growing louder and deeper.
Outside the cabin window, the runway lights streaked past one by one, faster and faster. The plane shuddered lightly, then lifted off the ground.